Mark stepped into the grand foyer carrying his dark leather briefcase.
He was a successful corporate attorney who loved his daughter more than anything.
He stopped dead in his tracks when he heard muffled coughing.
Mark: Lily? Where are you?
He rounded the corner near the flag and saw the blocked study doorway.
Evelyn turned around quickly with a calm smile forced onto her face.
Evelyn: Mark, darling, you are back early!
Mark: Why is the study door locked from the outside?
Evelyn: Lily is just throwing a small tantrum inside.
Mark looked past Evelyn and saw the hazy air inside the study window.
His face instantly turned red with pure panic and protective fury.
Mark: Are you out of your mind?
He dropped his briefcase onto the polished marble floor with a heavy thud.
He charged past Evelyn without hesitation toward the wooden frame.
Mark: Stand back from the glass, Lily!
Lily scrambled backward against the far bookcase and covered her eyes.
Mark raised his heavy boot and kicked the lock mechanism with all his weight.
The wood latch cracked loudly under the powerful impact of his boot.
He struck the frame a second time with everything he had.
The glass door swung open as the side latch shattered completely.
Cool air rushed into the room from the wide hallway outside.
Mark sprinted into the room before the door even settled.
He dropped down to his knees on the floor beside his crying daughter.
Mark: I have got you, sweetheart.
He wrapped his strong arms around her small shoulders and pulled her up.
He lifted her high into his chest so her head rested against his shoulder.
He carried her out into the fresh bright air of the hallway.
Evelyn took one step back as Mark turned toward her with wild eyes.
Evelyn: Mark, let me explain what happened!
Mark: Do not take another step toward us!